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Shoe

Size guide

Except a few historic models that are in French sizes, the large majority of our shoes are in English sizes.
In order to help you determine your size, use the table below. In case of doubt, you can alsways
measure the length of your foot, by following the instructions below.

Convert your size

1. Enter the size to be converted

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CHAMBORD

Measure your feet

Wear the type of socks similar to the style of shoe and measure your footprint, as explained below.

Phase 1

Stick a sheet of paper on the floor and against a wall. Adopt a natural position by dividing your weight over your two legs, your feet ferm on the sheet of paper, your heels glued against the wall.

Phase 2

With the help of a pencil, mark on the sheet of paper the end of your foot. Hold the pencil as straight as possible. Do the same operation for the other foot and repeat one more time, in order to be sure. If you can rely on a third party to help you, don't hesitate. It is rather uncommon that our both feet have the same length. Consequently, make a decision based on the measure of the longest feet. Use the table above.

Norwegian welted construction

Paraboot is the world leader in Norwegian construction.

Principle
The upper is fixed to the sole by means of a welt. Both lines of stitches are visible: the "Norwegian" welt connects the welt to the upper and the assembly insole. Special fine stitching connects the welt to the outsole. It is also possible not to have a welt, in which case the two lines of stitches are sewn directly onto the leather at the bottom of the upper; this serves as a welt.

History
The Norwegian welt was particularly used for mountain and work shoes. Nowadays, it's also used for casual shoes. For the record, the origin of the name remains a mystery but has no connection with Norway.

Advantages
This solid and flexible mounting technique both makes the shoe waterproof and resoleable. In addition, the Norwegian welt creates an assumed sportswear look. From a purely technical point of view, the advantages of the Norwegian welt are comparable to those of the Goodyear welt.

Plain leather

Genuine rubber sole

Our soles and heels are always made with the same vulcanization blends and processes as originally used in the long history of Paraboot.
Rubber develops the best of its physical and mechanical properties, namely comfort, flexibility and resistance to wear, even if the latter also depends heavily on the use and the wearer of the shoes.
Our rubber blends come from France, and are vulcanized on our presses in our Saint Jean de Moirans workshop.

Made in France

Our workshops are located in Saint Jean de Moirans, in the heart of the French Alps. Paraboot did not wait for the "Made in France" to be recognised, and has ensured we are a company with societal responsibility and strong ethics! For more than 100 years, we have struggled to preserve our artisanal production methods and safeguard our know-how. Richard-Pontvert is labeled "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" by the French Government.

Handmade

From the manufacturing of soles to packaging, running through leather cutting, stitching, assemblying and finishing, no less than 150 manual operations are required to make these shoes. As many steps as in 1908, at the formation of the company!